If it turns out Robert Griffin III‘s knee is vulnerable heading into Week 1 of the regular season, the future of the franchise isn’t worth risking over the first few weeks of the season. Based on Kirk Cousins‘ performance in spot duty last season and his play in Washington Redskins training camp thus far, they would even stand a chance of escaping the opening four contests at 2-2 or even 3-1.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has illuminated his strategy with Griffin very slightly, but he did specify a shift in game plan once Washington’s opening preseason game against the Tennessee Titans concludes.

“After the game, we have a little bit of a different game plan,” Shanahan said late last week, via CSN Washington. “If there is no setback, I’ll share that with you next week. The reason I don’t tell you at the beginning is if there is a setback, I’m not going to tell you anyway.”

If Griffin’s knee is deemed a non-risk heading into Week 1, then I have no qualms with starting him. But if there are any setbacks, it might be worth resting him against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions and the Oakland Raiders. It wouldn’t even be crazy if the Redskins come out of that 3-1 sans Griffin.

Obviously, fantasy owners would like to know that well before Washington kicks off Monday Night Football for the 2013 NFL regular season, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at FedEx Field.

Thomas Emerick is a Senior Writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasEmerick, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google